Elevate your outdoor dining experience with a few of our favorite picks. Composite: Courtesy Photos; Getty Images View image in fullscreen Elevate your outdoor dining experience with a few of our favorite picks. Composite: Courtesy Photos; Getty Images The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
Retire your plastic cups and paper plates in favor of some sturdy (and chic) upgrades to store and chill food and drinks
The five best portable coolers in the US – tested
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Picnics are a spectacular way to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, but packing and lugging food , keeping it chilled , and trying to find a comfortable place to sit might seem like more trouble than it’s worth. If you want to take advantage of the summer weather, whether it’s a barbecue in the park or an al fresco lunch at the beach, all you really need are your favorite foods, a few drinks and a big blanket.
But if the logistics of it all – such as finding the right cooler, plates or containers – are cramping your style, it’s possible to elevate your outdoor dining experience with a few upgrades.
Anyday Anydeli Mixed Food Storage Set Read more $89 Buy at Anyday Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Cups Read more $34.95 Buy at The Container Store (pack of four) Away Cooler Tote Read more $248 Buy at Amazon Yeti Lowlands Picnic Blanket Read more $200 Buy at Backcountry Naturally Chic Bamboo Leaf Plates Read more $33.95 Buy at Amazon Anyday Anydeli Mixed Food Storage Set Anyday Mixed Food Storage Set (pack of six) $89 $89 at Anyday View image in fullscreen $89 at Anyday Store cut fruit, salads and more in these durable, plastic-free silicone storage containers that our tester called “the perfect food storage” . The material makes these safe for use in the fridge, freezer, microwave and oven (up to 450F), and since they’re translucent, it’s easy to keep track of what’s inside. Their shape also makes them easy to stack, so you can pack your picnic basket more efficiently.
Anyday Mixed Food Storage Set (pack of six) $89 $89 at Anyday Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Cups Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Cups (pack of four) from $34.95 $34.95 at The Container Store (pack of four) $34.95 at Klean Kanteen (pack of four) View image in fullscreen $34.95 at The Container Store (pack of four) $34.95 at Klean Kanteen (pack of four) Please retire your red Solo cups and give yourself (or someone you love) the gift of an upgrade with this stainless steel set from Klean Kanteen. They can hold anything you want to drink, from water to a Negroni and, with a lid and straw accessory , can even serve as kids’ sippy cups. Go for the classic silver or have a little fun and go for a cheery assortment of powder-coated bright colors.
Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Cups (pack of four) from $34.95 $34.95 at The Container Store (pack of four) $34.95 at Klean Kanteen (pack of four) Away Cooler Tote Away Cooler Tote from $248 $248 at Amazon $248 at Away View image in fullscreen $248 at Amazon $248 at Away Hard-sided coolers are great, but sometimes you need a more portable solution. Away’s insulated tote is meant to keep your food and drink cool for up to nine hours (with ice), perfect for a picnic or day trip to the beach. With a 30-liter capacity, it’s roomy enough to stow a couple of bottles of wine, a few cans and fo…